it is highly improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is highly improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something unlikely or something that you have little faith in being successful. For example, "It is highly improbable that I can get an A on this exam without studying".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But it is highly improbable.

The New York Times

Thus, it is highly improbable that any set of models will contain the 'true' system structure.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

It is highly improbable, he said, that a person is unaware that he or she is carrying drugs.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is highly improbable that a fully fledged click system could arise from nonclick precursors," Dr. Traill said.

The New York Times - Science

Moreover, it is highly improbable that the loaded guns belonged to Jane Doe or that she was solely responsible for their being in her purse.

Cornell University

In view of this self-evident fact, it is highly improbable that the defendant gave libelants rotten and unserviceable nets with which to fish.

Harvard University

The rest of us, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, know that it is highly improbable that there is anyone up there at all.

The Guardian - Books

And though it is highly improbable that she could remember everything that was said verbatim, what appears in the book seems plausible.

The Washington Post

Then, it is highly improbable that a majority of the class of (new) shareholders with inferior voting rights would agree to a renewal of the dual class structure for another term.

Columbia University

For one thing, it is highly improbable that the country would agree to give up its weapons: for Kim Jong-un, these programs are seen as vital to ensure his, and North Korea's, survival.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

All the same, the question of how he went down may never be solved; it is highly improbable that he was shot from the sky.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is highly improbable" when you want to express a strong sense of unlikelihood, but without stating something is impossible. It's useful for scenarios where there's a theoretical chance, however slim.

Common error

Avoid using "it is highly improbable" when you actually mean something is impossible or certain not to happen. Choose language that accurately reflects the degree of certainty or uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is highly improbable" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause. It indicates the degree of likelihood or probability, specifically expressing that something is unlikely to occur. Ludwig examples confirm the phrase is used to qualify statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is highly improbable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong sense of unlikelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While it's frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone, suitable for various professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of improbability accurately reflects the situation, avoiding overstatements. For alternatives, consider phrases like "it is very unlikely" or "the chances are slim" to achieve similar communicative effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very unlikely

Focuses on the low probability of an event, using simpler language.

it is quite doubtful

Emphasizes uncertainty and skepticism about the possibility of something happening.

it is extremely doubtful

Amplifies the sense of uncertainty and skepticism.

it is exceedingly unlikely

Stresses the exceptional degree to which something is not likely to occur.

the odds are stacked against it

Uses a more figurative expression to highlight unfavorable conditions.

it is almost impossible

Suggests a near impossibility, stronger than improbable.

it is remotely possible

Implies a slight chance, but with a strong suggestion of unlikelihood.

the chances are slim

Uses a more informal tone to indicate a low probability.

it is a long shot

Suggests that the possibility of success is very low.

it is against all odds

Implies that something happening would be contrary to what is expected.

FAQs

How can I use "it is highly improbable" in a sentence?

Use "it is highly improbable" to suggest something is very unlikely but not impossible. For example, "It is highly improbable that the team will win the championship this year given their current performance."

What are some alternatives to "it is highly improbable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is very unlikely", "it is quite doubtful", or "the chances are slim" to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it correct to say "it is highly improbable"?

Yes, "it is highly improbable" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What is the difference between "it is highly improbable" and "it is impossible"?

"It is highly improbable" suggests a very low likelihood, while "it is impossible" indicates there is no chance of something happening. "It is highly improbable" leaves a small possibility open.